REM and Mondottica UK Expand Remdottica Joint Venture

LOS ANGELES—U.S.-based
REM Eyewear and U.K.-based
Mondottica have announced the expansion of their joint venture, Remdottica. Remdottica, which launched in September 2011 to distribute Converse Eyewear throughout the U.K., Republic of Ireland, Holland, France and Spain will now encompass all of Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and include REM’s entire portfolio of branded eyewear from John Varvatos, Jones New York, Tumi, Lucky Brand and Cosmopolitan.

"The expansion of Remdottica to cover all of the REM business throughout EMEA is a natural progression of the success our more limited venture has enjoyed the past two years distributing Converse in a limited territory,” said REM's CEO, Mike Hundert. “This partnership with Mondottica helps fulfill our ambition to grow our global business, and does so with a team of talented people that is compatible with our veteran team's outlook of how best to service the eyewear community. The result will be improved service and access to a broader range of products."

According to the two companies, the expansion is meant “to demonstrate an increased commitment to global partnerships and reaffirm their dedication to serving the needs of customers around the globe.” Additionally, the expanded partnership will “allow for Remdottica to share experience and expertise while keeping a close eye on regional trends and facilitating superior logistics” while bringing REM’s entire collection of eyewear brands to Europe for the first time.

Industry veteran John Johnston will lead the overall effort of the expanded operations. Johnston brings 18 years of industry experience as managing director for companies such as Charmant, L’Amy and Filos. Mary Pace, REM Eyewear EMEA Sales Director, will continue to lead the key account sales efforts across this region.

European customers should already expect notably faster delivery times, regionally-based customer service and an expanded collection of brands as of this month, the companies said.